“There can be no doubt that Tom Guarna and his three dedicated colleagues make their mark with an hour of fluent and adventurous music, confirming that besides being an exceptional guitarist, the leader is also a composer and arranger of genuine ability…” (from the liner notes by Mark Gardner)

Tenor saxophonist/composer/band leader/educator Jimmy Heath (1926-2020) co-led the famous Health Brothers in the late 70s with the elder brother Percy (on bass) and younger brother Tootie Heath (on drums). He also led big bands and his own groups. For this 1991 New York recording Jimmy Heath brought his long-time working group including younger brother Tootie Heath. “Heath the storyteller is the focus on this recording. He blows at top form…He filles his solos with bluesy strums, slaps and whines…needs little encouragement to blow his best. Solid.” (David Dupont-Cadence on You’ve Changed SCCD 31292) 180g Audiophile Vinyl

On all his 10 SteepleChase albums including this quartet recording Rathbun the composer-arranger is the major component giving each album a distinct musical as well as philosophical concept. “The Speed Of Time” is about his unique perception of time during and after the pandemic era, which he describes eloquently in his liner notes. “Since his debut as a leader in 1999, Andrew Rathbun has developed into one of the compelling saxophonists and composers of his generation.” (Ken Dryden-NYCJR)

Set 'Em Up

Award-winning trumpeter/composer Jason Palmer is a dedicated educator as Assistant Professor at Berklee College of Music I Boston. Palmer also holds a post as Vising Assistant Professor of Music at Harvard University. The first prize winner of 2009 Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Solo Competition Jason Palmer joined SteepleChase in 2010 and this is his 10th album with captivating interpretation of classic ballads as well as his originals. “Over the past decade, trumpeter Jason Palmer has proven to be one of the most compelling artists of his generation. With each new volume in a series of CDs for SteepleChase, Palmer reveals a different aspect to his musical mind while the expressiveness of his horn continues to expand as well”. (Ken Dryden-NYCJR on SCCD 31820 Beauty ‘n’ Numbers.)

This is George Colligan's second solo CD for Steeplechase. His first, entitled "Small Room" (SCCD 31470), has met with critical acclaim everywhere. "George Colligan is one of the brightest and most articulate new pianists on today's scene. A composer to reckon with as well, Colligan's music defies easy categorization." Harvey Pekar - Jazz Times

When reviewing Levy’s previous release SCCD 31579 “ Mood Ellington”, BBC Music Magazine’s Richard Cook wrote, “…Levy offers one of the richest tenor sounds in contemporary jazz…”

Mike Richmond’s fourth cello album focuses on Bill Evans’ music. Award winning bassist Richmond has a long exceptional career performing with Miles Davis, Stan Getz, Dizzy Gillespie, Horace Silver, Gil Evans a. o. Richmond has recently been drawn more to playing cello which allows him a greater freedom in refined expressions. “Cello is wonderful in jazz. It’s soulful, melodic, and is best in small combos. That’s what you have in Mike Richmond: La Vie en Rose SCCD 31878” (Cadence Magazine)

Perry and Danko have been closely working together for almost 30 years. As evident in their first duo album “Cancoes do Brasil” (SCCD 31463), they are in total empathy and harmony again here on this new duo programme. “Rich Perry is that rarest of tenor saxophonists—a complete musician with an understanding of space and timing, a palpable sense of color and humor and absolutely no need to showboat or compromise .… he makes jazz that’s adventurous and highly listenable… .playing standards not frequently performed and in new ways of playing in the tradition… . ” (Donald Elfman – Allaboutjazz) “Danko's a mature player who knows the power of economy, melodic sense and a refined touch; wasting not a note, his improvisations always tell a compelling story.” (Steve Futterman – JazzTimes)

“There can be something very special about a bassist-led session…their knowledge of both time and melody … coupled with the rich emotional sound of their instrument, results in some of the most creative jazz….”, remarked Elliott Simon (All About Jazz) on LaSpina’s previous CD “Remember When” (SCCD 31540). Two years later Steve LaSpina cuts this impressively thoughtful album with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

The Irish Connection

“It is a joy for me to play regularly with great musicians of this calibre who seem to know instinctively what I am aiming for in each composition. This knowledge and understanding ensures that recording with them is a pleasurable experience."

“….it is Riley's highly personal approach which really grabs this listener and made producer Nils Winther an instant convert, determined to put him on tape. Nils feels Stephen to be one of the most distinctive and original of the younger sax players on the scene….” (Mark Garder, from the liner notes) Stephen Riley’s debut album “Inside Out” (SCCD 31584) has recently been selected as an outstanding CD by BBC

"Ambrose's tenor speaks with the brusque swagger of a young Rollins and his upper register forays more than a hint at the Lovano influence, still Ambrose is well on the way to developing a very mature and appealing voice." Chris Hovan - jazzreview.com.

On this CD, long time SteepleChase leader saxophonist Rich Perry teams up with Steve Lampert (tpt.), Denis Irwin (bass), and Jeff Hirshfield (drums) for an exploration into freer material than he has in past studio outings. Recorded in March 2001, this CD features all original material by Perry (2) and Lampert (6) reminiscent of Ornette Coleman's early works. In reviewing "Doxy" (SteepleChase SCCD 31473), Dick Bogle of The Portland/Seattle Scanner states that Perry "roams free but always within his own structure in this pianoless group. His tone is impeccably clear and rich."

Take five SteepleChase leaders (three of them brilliant modern exponents of the electric guitar), have them bring some tunes they dig into the studio, roll the tapes, sit back and listen to a creative hour of spontaneous combustion. That’s what producer Nils Winther did when he laid on a rendez-vous for a trio of the label’s top plectrists - Vic Juris, Dave Stryker and Tony Purrone. To give this formidable “string section” the appropriate drive, two fellow SteepleChasers, drummer Keith Copeland and bassist Scott Colley, both leaders in their own right, were pressed into service. (from Mark Gardner's liner notes)

Moonscape

In The Heath Zone

As one of the most inventive and original voices on trumpet Dave Ballou has established himself firmly on the scene. His latest CD here presents a largely-standard-tune collection in an intriguing free framework. “…He’s a sound, knowledgeable and versatile musician who can improvise impressively in a free context or complex chord changes…” (Harvey Pekar, CD Reviews)

Watch Out!

Dave Stryker’s most successful band “Blue To The Bone” is back again. This long-waited third volume is dedicated to Brother Jack McDuff and Stanley Turrentine, both of whom left tremendous influence on Stryker. “… a truly original guitar voice to break new ground in large ensemble music …. Stryker has assembled a fantastic group to realize his pieces … There is no more satisfying guitarist, with such a large body of original works to be heard today … ” (Charles A Apicella)

Nightfall

Francis Lo Kee of All About Jazz sums up what Jack Walrath is all about in his review of SCCD 31650 “Ballroom”: “Jack Walrath not only displays tremendous trumpet playing, a rich and varied approach to composition and wonderful band, he also puts something into this fantastic CD that's missing from too much new jazz: a sense of fun and humor. That's not to say that it isn't sensitive and touching at times—"An Hour Blessed" is arguably as gorgeous as anything ever recorded….Musical food for thought with amazing jazz playing, this recording can't be praised highly enough.” Jack Walrath shares his inner thoughts on music and society in his liner notes for this latest album which makes quite an interesting read in addition to yet another intriguing recording.

Bud's Beautiful

Blue To The Bone